Over the years I have experimented with
a variety of clip on book lights and I have to admit that choosing
the right one to suit my needs has proven to be a difficult process.
Recently, I came across the Beam N Read Lights and I thought, what
the heck, lets give it a try.

In a way, they reminded me of the hands
free head lamps that are used by fire fighters and rescue personnel;
the difference being that the Beam N Read Lights are worn around the
neck instead of on top of your head in order to illuminate your
personal space. The lights easily turn on and off by flipping the
reflector up and down.

ASF Lightware, the manufacturer of the
Beam N Read Lights publicizes that they are quite versatile and can
be used to provide light for a variety of purposes such as knitting,
quilting, camping, hiking, changing diapers in the middle of the
night, and other chores.

As a book reviewer, I was interested in
finding out how helpful they would be for reading books and
magazines. Due to my advancing age, I have joined the senior crowd
with a weakening eyesight that requires that I use reading glasses.
Would the Beam N Read Lights provide an extra boost?

My first discovery was that the Beam N
Read Lights produces light through light emitting diodes or LEDS,
rather than an incandescent bulb, making them cooler, more energy
efficient and tougher.

Apparently, as I found out through
researching the Internet, a LED light draws only 5-10% of
the power of an equivalent light bulb, conserving batteries and
saving money. The manufacturer of the Beam N Read Lights claims that
their BNR LED 3 model with 3 bright LEDs last for 120 hours compared
to the 20-40 hours advertised for book lights with similar
light. Batteries in their BNR LED 6 model with 6 LEDs last for
48 hours compared to 20 hours. Although it may cost a little more
than the traditional lights, the money saved in batteries and bulbs
will offset that added expense.

My next query was how effective was the
product when it came to reading in bed. My wife is constantly nudging
me asking when will I turn off my bed lamp, as she wants to sleep. I
tried both the 6 and the 3 Beamer Lights while placing a book on my
lap. While the 3 Beamer Light was fairly helpful, I definitely
preferred the 6 Beamer Light, as the light illuminated the entire
page. An added attraction is that the 6 Beamer Light comes with an
attachable orange filter which converts the blue light to a softer
white light. Incidentally, I have also used the Beamer Light while
reading in my car and also sitting in my garden lounge chair during
the early evening hours when natural light is not very strong. In
both instances, the Beamer Light proved to be very very effective.

Satisfied that the Beamer Lights passed
the test insofar as reading is concerned, I was wondering how helpful
they would be for other tasks. Well it didn't take long to use them
in another situation when I had to adjust my computer that is found
beneath my desk. I am sure many of you have had the frustrating
experience of trying to find a cable in the dark and then attempting
to place it into the right outlet. Well lo and behold with my Beamer
Light I was able to accomplish my task without cursing!

This past week-end my wife and I were
off on a short trip and I decided to take along the Beam N Read
Lights. They certainly came in very handy in reading maps, our
address book and guidebooks.

The bottom line is that the Beam N Read
Lights is a worthwhile investment and will prove its worth in a
multitude of situations.